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Population Review

Fairbanks, Alaska Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Fairbanks, Alaska is 32,242 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in Alaska. The median household income is $72,077, the median home value is $255,700, and the median age is 28.6.

The population has declined 0.1% since 2010 (31,761 → 31,732).

32,242

Population

1014

People / sq mi

$72,077

Median Income

$255,700

Median Home Value

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Fairbanks covers 31.8 sq mi of land at 1014 people per square mile.

About Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks skews on age — the median resident is 28.6, younger than the national median. With 32,242 residents, Fairbanks is a city in Alaska. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Alaska in the country, at #2 by population.

The typical household here earns about $72,077, below the US median of $78,538. About 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $255,700, with typical rent around $1,470.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 26.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.

Fairbanks city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Fairbanks city had a population of 31,761 in 2010 and 31,732 in 2024, a -0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,408 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.02%.

2020 · 32K20102024
Fairbanks city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

31,732

Population (2024)

31,761

Population (2010)

32,408

Peak (2020)

0.02%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201031,761
201130,743
201232,063
201332,386
201431,525
201531,638
201631,996
201731,733
201831,446
201930,917
202032,408
202132,180
202232,005
202332,007
202431,732

Race & Ethnicity

White60.7%
Black or African American7.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)14.3%
Two or More Races0.1%

Economy & Income

$72,077

Median Household Income

$36,392

Per Capita Income

5.2%

Poverty Rate

3.0%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$255,700

Median Home Value

$1,470

Median Rent

40.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

93.8%

High School+

26.5%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.3%

Drive Alone

66.1%

Public Transit

5.2%

Work From Home

14.1 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

55.3%

Foreign Born

85.0%

Non-English at Home

10.7%

Veterans

14.9%

With Disability

90.4%

Health Insurance

96.8%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management28.8%
Education, Health Care & Social Services10.8%
Retail Trade9.4%
Public Administration7.8%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate6.3%
Information5.5%
Construction4.9%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.5%
Agriculture & Mining3.6%
Transportation & Warehousing1.7%
Manufacturing1.5%

Largest cities in Alaska

Largest counties in Alaska

Part of Alaska

Metro areas in Alaska

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairbanks, Alaska has a population of 32,242 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in Alaska.

The median household income in Fairbanks, Alaska is $72,077, with 5.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Fairbanks, Alaska is $255,700, with median monthly rent at $1,470 and a homeownership rate of 40.5%.

The median age in Fairbanks, Alaska is 28.6 years. The population is 53.7% male and 46.3% female.

The population has declined 0.1% since 2010 (31,761 → 31,732).

Where to stay in Fairbanks

Visiting or relocating to Fairbanks, AK? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.